Water heaters with a rated circuit load exceeding 3500 watts must utilize branch circuit conductors of at least what size copper?

For water heaters with a rated circuit load exceeding 3500 watts, using branch circuit conductors of at least A.W.G #10 copper is required to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. This wire size is capable of handling the increased current associated with appliances that draw more power, minimizing risks such as overheating and potential electrical fires.

Using A.W.G #10 copper wire helps carry the load efficiently without exceeding temperature ratings, ensuring durability and reliability of the electrical system. Conductors must be sized appropriately based on the power rating of the appliance and the length of the run, which is guided by the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. In this case, for loads above 3500 watts, A.W.G #10 copper is chosen specifically to accommodate the higher currents safely.

Larger wire gauges (like A.W.G #8) would also be able to handle the load, but A.W.G #10 is the minimum standard required for that wattage. The options of A.W.G #12 and A.W.G #14 are insufficient for this application due to their lower current-carrying capacity, which could lead to an unsafe situation if used with higher-wattage appliances.